Top 15 Best Yarn Swift To Buy

If you’re a passionate knitter, you need a yarn swift in your life.

This clever tool keeps skeins under tension so you can easily unravel them and wrap your yarn into cakes if using a yarn winder. With this nifty utensil, winding fibers from a skein is a breeze.

However, choosing the best yarn swift can be hard if you don’t have any experience. You can select from various types of yarn swifts on the market including plastic, metal, and wooden ones.

I have researched what’s available and made some recommendations.

How to Choose the Best Yarn Swift?

Whether you want a budget-friendly swift just to get the job done or something special to pass down to your children and grandchildren, pay attention to the following factors.

Style

You can choose from Amish (also known as a tabletop) and umbrella styles. Other styles include a mix of Amish and umbrella style. And a mix of wood base and metal wheel.

The umbrella yarn swift combines the traits of a real umbrella. It’s compact when collapsed. You need to push ribs to open and pull down to shut down. The umbrella yarn swifts have screw-in clamps that catch surfaces, such as tabletop. Or feature optional legs that stand on the floor.

Working vertically or horizontally, umbrella yarn swifts adjust to the biggest range of hank sizes. They’re collapsable for easy storage. Tabletop or Amish yarn swifts perform horizontally.

They have fewer parts than umbrella swifts, stand flat on a surface, feature pegs for sizing, and stores in shape or unassembled can be stored in pieces. They adjust to meet various sizes.

A mixed tabletop/umbrella style performs horizontally, features few parts, rests flat on a surface, utilizes diagonally situated wood for sizing, and requires dissemblance for storing.

Or stores in shape. Swifts like this don’t adjust but the diagonal placement of the wooden dowels offers a wide range of sizing options. In my opinion, this swift style is the easiest to use.

A mix of wood base and metal wheel performs vertically, features few components, rests flat on a table or other surface, utilizes metal supports for sizing and stores in original shape.

Material

Most of today’s yarn swift producers utilize the same materials for both Amish and umbrella yarn swifts. They’re made with durable hardwoods such as maple or birch.

You will come across yarn swifts with every part created from wood including screws and clamps. Some companies make umbrella yarn swifts from wood, metal, or plastic.

Additionally, other brands combine metal and wood. Which material you pick depends on your personal preference, expectations, crafting needs, design, usage, and budget.

Size

When searching for the best yarn swift out there, you need to consider size in 2 different manners: how much space do you have to utilize and store the swift.

And what size of hanks do you want to transform into a cake? Keep in mind that umbrella swifts take up the most space when in use. Horizontal swifts need more space.

They have a right to left or vice versa movement. Meaning, furniture, and walls can get in the way. Some yarn swifts extend to 8.5 feet in diameter. Meaning, you will need approximately 1.5 feet on each side of the center shaft for the yarn swift to spin undisturbed.

The space to store is also something you need to consider. If you buy an umbrella swift, you will be able to store it easily since the ribs collapse nicely together resembling a real umbrella.

Also, most brands provide a storage bag for your swift. The size of the swift is also important. It depends on the size of the yarn hanks you will be winding. They come in different sizes.

Take a look at your yarn brands to determine the right swift size. If you prefer bulky yarn, opt for bigger diameter hanks. Always select the size of swift that gives great value for money.

If you utilize a variety of hank sizes and yarn weights, opt for a yarn swift that provides a broad variety of diameters. If you utilize smaller weight yarns, opt for swift with a smaller diameter.

Extra tip: if you utilize a yarn winder together with your swift, consider how much yarn your yarn winder will handle. They range from as little as 4 ounces and as much as 16 ounces.

What Are The Best Yarn Swifts?

Yarn swifts aren’t only practical but fun as well. They’re available in different sizes, materials, and styles. This makes it hard to choose the best yarn swift. The list below can help you determine the right product listing all the key features you need to consider when buying a yarn swift.

• Best Overall: Premium Knitter Yarn Swift Wooden Yarn Ball Winder
  “24-inch yarn swift, long-lasting, handles any size of hanks, snag-free experience, made of birch wood.”
• Best Budget: Umbrella Hand-Operated Yarn Swift Winder
  “Well-constructed, suitable for any surface, clamp-on-base system, perfect for arthritic hands, cheap.”
• Best Combo: Yarn Ball Winder and Umbrella Swift
  “Noiseless, smooth spinning, compact, usable on many surfaces, wind up to 4 ounces, easy to assemble.”
• Best for Beginners: Knitter’s Pride Yarn Swift Winder
  “Lifts yarn barns of 100g, work with different skein sizes, made of birch wood, quick and quiet rotation.”
• Best for Professionals: Knit Picks Birch Wood Swift Yarn Winder
  “Budget-friendly, made of durable wood, metal parts, easy to assemble and disassemble, long-lasting.”
• Best Tabletop: Stanwood Needlecraft Tabletop Amish Style Wooden Yarn Swift
  “Amish style, adjustable frame, sits into different skeins, spins smoothly, non-slip pads, easy assembly.”
• Best Wooden: Stanwood Needlecraft Wooden Umbrella Swift Yarn Winder
  “Smooth finish, travel-friendly, made of solid wood, tightly fixed clamps, medium yarn swift, affordable.”
• Best Umbrella: Stanwood Needlecraft Wooden Umbrella Swift Yarn Winder
  “Multiple hemp ties keep it together, made of solid wood, cheap, jumbo swift can handle 8.5 feet skeins.”
• Best for Large Skeins: CHIAOGOO Amish Design Wooden Yarn Swift
  “Non-slip pads, ideal for large skeins, smooth finish, long-lasting, durable, reasonably-priced, versatile.”
• Best Metal: Yarn Swift Yarn Winder Yarn Holder
  “Consists of metal parts, lightweight, portable, smooth-spinning swift, easy to store, great performance.”

Best Yarn Swift Comparison Chart 2021

The best yarn swift makes a fun and handy tool for avid knitters. It speeds up knitting by keeping skeins or hanks of yarn while you wind your yarn into balls or cakes.

All yarn swifts perform in the same manner. They rotate while the yarn streams off in a single, untangled strand. However, they come in different sizes, materials, and styles.

This makes it hard to pick the right one for your needs. However, don’t worry. I have compared some of the best-selling swifts out there to help you pick the right one.

Top 15 Best Yarn Swift Reviews 2021

Yarn swifts come in different models. However, how do you know which one suits you best? Let’s take a closer look at some of the best yarn swifts and pick THE ONE for you.

Stanwood Needlecraft Tabletop Amish Style Wooden Yarn Swift

(Best Tabletop)

If you’re looking for a tabletop yarn swift also known as Amish, look no further than Stanwood. It’s made of durable wood and has a smooth finish that boosts the aesthetics.

The design of this tool prevents yarn snagging. It doesn’t feature the varnish fume, unlike most products. It’s made in the Amish style and has an adjustable frame in case you want it smaller.

This swift can sit into various skeins. The non-slip pads at the bottom of the device ensure it rests on the tabular surface nicely. You can easily detach and travel with this swift.

Product Specifications:

Key features:

• Amish style
• Adjustable frame
• Sits into different skeins
• Spins smoothly
• Non-slip pads

Stanwood Needlecraft Wooden Umbrella Swift Yarn Winder

(Best Wooden)

This is another yarn swift by Stanwood Needlecraft. However, this one represents the umbrella style. It’s made of durable and solid wood and has a super smooth finish.

If you’re searching for a medium yarn swift that nicely accommodates a skein with a diameter of 6 feet, look no further than this wooden umbrella swift yarn winder. It’s long-lasting.

And has a similar finish as the previous model in Amish style by Stanwood Needlecraft. It includes tightly fixed clamps that ensure your tool can be mounted firmly to different surfaces.

I love this yarn swift because it delivers smooth spins. Also, it’s a high-quality yarn swift that’s both nice and functional. It weighs only 2 pounds. Meaning, it’s travel-friendly.

Product Specifications:

Key features:

• Smooth finish
• Travel-friendly
• Made of durable and solid wood
• Tightly fixed clamps
• Medium yarn swift

Premium Knitter Yarn Swift Wooden Yarn Ball Winder

(Best Overall)

Premium Knitter Yarn swift is the yarn winder you need if you’re looking for a durable and versatile yarn swift. It’s a 24-inch wooden umbrella ball winder yarn swift.

The best part? It can comfortably handle any size of hanks. Also, it’s made of birch wood. Meaning, it’s a durable yarn swift that will stick by your side for a very long time.

If you don’t have much space to accommodate a yarn swift at your working station, opt for this product. It comes with clamp screws that grab firmly on various surfaces.

Product Specifications:

Key features:

• Durable and versatile
• Wooden umbrella yarn swift
• Handles any size of hanks

CHIAOGOO Amish Design Wooden Yarn Swift

(Best for Large Skeins)

ChiaoGoo is one of the most popular names on the market. They make some of the finest knitting items. And this beautiful Amish style wooden yarn swift is one of them.

It’s capable of handling skeins of up to 62-inch. This wooden yarn swift can accommodate big skeins and thanks to the customizable pegs, you can work with hanks of different sizes.

Another interesting thing about this product is that you can set it up on a table without clamps. The lack of clamps means it’s loaded with non-slip pads to ensure stability.

Product Specifications:

Key features:

• Non-slip pads
• Perfect for large skeins
• Made of solid wood

Stanwood Needlecraft Wooden Umbrella Swift Yarn Winder

(Best Umbrella)

Stanwood Needlecraft makes its tools with solid wood. It’s why their swifts are long-lasting. This large model isn’t an exception. It’s a copy of the smaller model.

However, this one can handle skeins as big as 8.5 feet. Thanks to the clamps, you can attach this swift to chairs and tables or any other edges around your workspace with ease.

With this model, you don’t have to stress about your yarn’s safety. Additionally, the yarn swift opens up, fitting other applications. Multiple hemp ties keep it together.

Product Specifications:

Key features:

• Long-lasting unit
• The swift opens up fitting other applications
• Multiple hemp ties keep it together
• Made of solid wood
• Budget-friendly

Knit Picks Birch Wood Swift Yarn Winder

(Best for Professionals)

Knit Picks birch wood swift yarn winder is one of the best-looking knitting tools out there. Made of wood (birch wood), this long-lasting winder features metal parts as well.

I love this swift yarn winder because it’s capable of holding yarns measuring 68 inches. If you’re looking for an umbrella-shaped swift yarn winder that delivers smooth spinning, look no further than Knit Picks. It’s easy to assemble and disassemble. And includes clamps for stability.

Product Specifications:

Key features:

• Popular brand
• Budget-friendly
• Easy to assemble and disassemble
• Made of durable wood
• Has metal parts

Windaze Umbrella Swift Yarn Winder

Another umbrella style yarn swift that is worth your time and money is this model by Windaze. It has the form of a large umbrella and contains plastic and alloy parts.

If you’re searching for a versatile yarn winder, then you will enjoy Windaze. It can perform with different types of strings efficiently. It has a learning curve for beginners.

However, still, it’s worth your investment. It’s a durable yarn swift and makes a nice birthday gift for the avid knitter in your life. You can attach it to tables, chairs, etc.

Product Specifications:

Key features:

• Plastic and alloy parts
• Super versatile and long-lasting
• Makes a great birthday gift

Swedish Glimakra Large Wood Umbrella Swift Yarn Winder

Glimakra represents a Swedish brand that left its mark in the knitting industry with this tool. It’s a large umbrella swift yarn winder made of durable and long-lasting wood.

This tool is known for rotating freely. If you want to level up your knitting game, opt for this yarn winder. It can hold up to 100 inches in diameter and makes knitting more enjoyable.

If you’re on the search for a durable swift made of solid wood, then Swedish Glimakra is the product for you. It’s collapsable, so it’s travel friendly and easy to carry around.

Product Specifications:

Key features:

• Swedish company
• Made of durable and long-lasting wood
• It’s known for rotating freely

Yarn Ball Winder and Umbrella Swift

(Best Combo)

This yarn swift was one of the most hated products in the knitting world. However, it deserves a second shot because of the improved design based on users’ complaints.

Today, it’s one of the best yarn swifts on the market. It’s the ideal combo of umbrella swift and winder. This user-friendly unit can make yarn balls weighing up to 4 ounces.

The best part? It’s easy to store. You can assemble and disassemble this product in seconds and store it when not in use. The clamp ensures stability on different surfaces.

Product Specifications:

Key features:

• Noiseless
• Smooth spinning
• Usable on different surfaces
• Perfect combo
• Affordable

Yarn Swift Yarn Winder Yarn Holder

(Best Metal)

If you’re working with skeins of various sizes, you need to purchase a yarn swift that is customizable for effortless accommodation of different skeins such as this one.

It’s sturdy and consists of metal parts. I own it and I can say that I was amazed by the performance and durability. It can be put to use in both vertical and horizontal positions.

However, you can also attach this yarn holder to any corner. Just ensure it’s less than 1.75 inches dense. Although it’s durable and strong it’s still lightweight and easy to carry around.

You can fold this product after use and store it easily. If you’re looking for a smooth-spinning swift, look no further than this model. It works on any strings including lace and Aram.

Product Specifications:

Key features:

• Consists of metal parts
• Lightweight and portable
• Smooth-spinning swift

Wooden Umbrella Swift Yarn Winder

Just another wooden umbrella swift yarn winder that is worth your time and money. It’s sturdy, smooth, and durable. And has a modern appearance. It’s one of those long-lasting swifts.

If you’re looking for a yarn swift that can be fastened to most surfaces including chairs or tables, look no further than this product. It includes a bonus replacement screw, in case it gets broken.

What I like most about this model is the compactness. When you’re done using this device, you can fold it and store it away. It’s perfect for beginners and doesn’t take much space.

Product Specifications:

Key features:

• Foldable
• Long-lasting
• Modern design
• Bonus replacement screw
• Budget-friendly
• Lightweight
• Versatile

LAMXD Yarn Ball Winder and Yarn Umbrella Swift

The LAMXD yarn ball winder and yarn umbrella swift are super easy to set up and use. It’s why knitters love this product. This yarn swift includes a strong metal crank.

The best part? It can lift yarns of 100g. What I like most about this product is fast and quiet spinning. It produces near yarn cakes in record time. The best part? It’s portable.

You can take your yarn swift everywhere you go! It’s easy to assemble and disassemble. You can fasten it on tops as dense as 1.3 inches or less. What more could you ask for?

Product Specifications:

Key features:

• Strong metal crank
• It can lift yarns of 100g
• Fast and quiet performance
• Portable and lightweight
• Easy to use and store

Umbrella Hand-Operated Yarn Swift Winder

(Best Budget)

Suitable for both advanced knitters and beginners, this yarn swift is one of the best yarn swifts available at the moment. It’s nicely crafted and provides great value for money.

It’s user-friendly and creates hanks, cakes, and wool balls in no time. However, keep in mind that some parts are plastic. Nonetheless, this tool can be clamped onto any surface.

It’s easy to learn and get the best results with this 17-inch yarn swift thanks to the free e-book included. It makes the perfect birthday gift for the passionate knitter in your life.

Product Specifications:

Key features:

• Makes a great gift
• It can be clamped onto any surface
• Well-constructed

Knitter’s Pride Yarn Swift Winder

(Best for Beginners)

Knitter’s Pride is a well-trusted brand among knitters and crocheters because of top-notch products like this one. The yarn swift by Knitter’s Pride is made of birch wood.

This product deserves a spot on this list because of the quick rotation. It can be fastened onto a surface as dense as 1.5 inches. You don’t have to worry about stability and durability.

This tool ensures a smooth and enjoyable spinning experience. The best part? It can work with different skein sizes. Also, it lifts yarn barns of 100g which is quite impressive.

Product Specifications:

Key features:

• It lifts yarn barns of 100g
• Works with different skein sizes
• Smooth and enjoyable experience
• Created of natural birch wood
• Quick and quiet rotation

Nagina International Umbrella Yarn Swift Winder

Last but not least, let’s take a closer look at this model by Nagina International. It’s a tabletop yarn swift made with both beginners and experienced, serious knitters in mind.

What I like most about this product is the construction. This yarn winder is made of premium rosewood. It’s a great mixture of arts and crafts. The heavy base ensures stability.

Also, you don’t need to clamp your tool on corners. Simply put it on any surface and start working. If you want a jumbo swift that is functional and good-looking, then buy this model.

This unit will boost your skills and spark your interest in knitting and crocheting. It features 4 collapsible hands and a smooth-rotating torso for winding yarn threads and linens.

Product Specifications:

Key features:

• Heavy base
• Sturdy and stable
• Collapsable hands
• User-friendly
• Easy storage

Buying Guide: Things to Consider when Buying a Yarn Swift

When shopping for a yarn swift, consider the following traits before making a purchase. Otherwise, you won’t choose the best yarn swift for your crafting needs.

• Smooth finish
• Umbrella or Amish style?
• Easy to utilize and assemble
• Adjustable for various circumferences of yarn
• Do you have enough space to store it?
• Sturdy construction
• Reasonable price

Checking off the above is a smart idea before you make a final choice. Do you have a yarn swift I haven’t reviewed that should be mentioned? Let me know in the comments.

I don’t doubt that you will find something both effective and fun to add to your arsenal of knitting tools. Hopefully, this article can help you make a smart and calculated choice.

What is a Yarn Swift?

A yarn swift is made with a simple goal in mind: simplify knitting. Most yarn swifts are made of wood or plastic. This tool is considered a ‘must-have’ for any knitter.

As you probably know, yarns come in ‘non-balls’. They’re available in skeins or hanks. A hank is when the yarn is wound into a big ring form loosely and then twisted on itself.

And tools like yarn swifts enable yarn skeins or hanks to be kept in place when winding yarn into balls or cakes. They’re also utilized by hand yarn dyers and spinners.

Yarn swifts enable trouble-freeballing free of knots and tangles. If you’re utilizing a yarn winder with the swift, you can make yarn cakes instead of balls. It’s practical. You can choose from many yarn swift styles like an umbrella, handheld, or tabletop. I prefer the umbrella swifts.

Do I Need a Yarn Swift?

As a knitter, you may be wondering: do I need a yarn swift, and why? Well, if you want to save time, yes! A yarn swift is a handy equipment to have in your knitting arsenal.

However, winding with a combination of yarn swift and yarn winder is both practical and exciting. It can be addictive seeing your arsenal of skeins and hanks turn into neat cakes.

Whether you need a yarn winder to utilize with your yarn swift is another important thing to consider. If you don’t know what a yarn winder is utilized for, it’s another handy tool.

Knitters utilize this tool for making ideal center pull yarn cakes. This tool saves a lot of time. The knitting process is much easier, straightforward, and more enjoyable with a yarn winder.

However, make sure that the yarn winder you buy is compatible with your yarn swift before you make a final choice. Also, learn how to utilize the combo without causing yarn damage.

How to Use a Yarn Swift and Ball Winder?

Utilizing a yarn winder and yarn swift combination will save you a lot of time. It will also make knitting a more enjoyable process. This combination helps you make center-pull yarn cakes.

If you use both yarn winder and yarn swift, your fiber stash will look much heater but inform yourself on how to utilize this combination properly and without causing damage to your yarn.

My Top Pick

If you start searching for the best yarn swift, you will come across many types of yarn swifts. However, it depends on your preference and budget which type you choose in the end.

They come in different styles, materials, and sizes which makes it harder to choose the right one. Luckily, this buying guide includes only the best-selling swifts that bring value for money.

If you’re looking for a snag-free experience and something that will last for years, then Premium Knitter Yarn Swift Wooden Yarn Ball Winder is the right pick for you. It’s a 24-inch swift.

However, if you’re a beginner or want something affordable but effective, this Umbrella Hand-Operated Yarn Swift Winder makes a good choice for you. It’s well-made, has a clamp-on-base system, and doesn’t cost much. If you want a mix, buy this Yarn Ball Winder and Umbrella Swift combo.

It’s easy to assemble, compact, usable on different surfaces, winds up to 4 ounces and provides smooth, noiseless rotation, and doesn’t cost much. What more could you possibly ask for?

If you’re searching for something beginner-friendly Knitter’s Pride Yarn Swift Winder is the product you need to consider. It’s made of birch wood, easy to use, and provides quick rotation.

Hopefully, my comparison chart and product reviews can help you narrow down your options. Have you used any of these products before? If so, share your experiences in the comments.

I would love to hear your unpopular opinion on popular products. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below this article. I will be happy to answer them for you.